Dutch Government bans Islamic Face Veils in Public Places

The Netherlands has passed a lawbanningIslamicface veils, and any other garments that cover the face,in public places including schools, hospitals and government buildings.

The Dutch governmentdescribes the new law as “religion-neutral” and it does not extend as far as more comprehensive bans in neighboringFrance and Belgium.

Lawmakers in Dutch parliamentcited security reasons when they introduced the legislation which outlawsall face-covering clothing in public buildings.

In 2015, the Dutch government’s main advising body said the choice to wear an Islamic veil is protected by the constitutional right to freedom of religion, and that it saw no ground to limit that right.

However, the so-called non discriminatory bill was eventually approved by the Lower House in 2016, following the failure of efforts to impose a more generalban on burqa’s and other face-covering veils.

Staunchanti-immigrationpoliticianGeert Wilderswelcomed the passing of the new law has long campaignedfor a ban on face veils, originally tabling a motion seeking to have them outlawed more than 10 years ago.

Motorcycle helmets and ski-masks are now included in the ban and people who break the new lawface a fine of up to €410.

The ban does not apply to public streets,althoughpolice can ask an individual to removeface-covering clothing for identification.